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How to deliver a memorable speech

1. Quotable quote

Lou Hampton, quoted in Jeffrey Davidson, Blow your Own Horn, AMACOM, NY, 1987, p. 156.

"Become interested enough in your audience that your prime concern is how to get your message from you to them. When you think more about how you are going to put your message across and less about what people will think of you, you will end up a better communicator. So allow yourself to release your energy in a positive way."

2. Here's an idea

Many amateur speakers make two mistakes:

  • They skip their vision around the room, trying to make eye contact with everyone; and
  • When coming to a break in thought, they fill in the gaps with ‘um’ or ‘ah’.

Be aware of this. Make a conscious effort to look at people in the audience for at least five seconds before moving on. And, whenever you have the urge to say ‘ah’ or ‘um’, simply pause, and glance over your notes or take a drink of water.

3. Read further

For further tips and techniques on speech-making check out www.presentersonline.com …